For the most part, I've grown tired of undead films. While favorites such as 28 Days Later along with the initial seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category feels mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been sitting in my watchlist for months. However, the platform's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably enjoyable.
Excellent Pacing and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest assets is its superb rhythm. It kicks off using a striking initial scene where a calm family party is violently interrupted by a van plows into the seating section. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking individual stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic moment is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe this household before the disaster struck.
Unlike numerous zombie films, The Elixir truly allows the audience enough opportunity to get to know its main personalities before the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a wife and mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift between Nes and Karina. We also see her sibling, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch consists of her dad, the owner of a popular herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion is incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested in the family's dynamics along with their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet in the end paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable portion of its runtime depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, and how they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled the audience to relate with the characters enough to care about their fate—an uncommon feat for this style that often introduces characters only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The initial sequences of the party and various family interactions in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark humor before taking an abrupt turn into "holy shit" ground. These introductory moments aren't centered too heavily on humor as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient time to immerse in its world before everything gets turned upside down.
Unique Infection Origin
The film additionally presents a quite interesting explanation for the source of the spreading zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or a type of biological weapon, the source for this contagious disease originates in a recent batch of Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. While some background is provided a bit about how it started, I wish the film devoted additional focus explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of natural treatments to producing a lethal elixir which seems to contain a highly contagious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the effect this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I love it. The Elixir's zombies prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very realistic, and are practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Resourceful Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), however for the most part, Nes and her relatives are resourceful and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the face, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than standing still like a deer caught in lights as death approaches.
Believable Familial Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus on family conflict when people start turning into zombies, which was a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she's still clinging to bitterness over his betrayal in their relationship. When the family becomes split up, they decide via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. However, once Bang admits he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building over time. Nes is not flawless, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—seem authentic and understandable since the movie doesn't try to promote the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This causes the moments when these characters express gratitude toward one another seem far more genuine.
Predictable Ending
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir doesn't truly offering up some profound insight about family or community, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. Yet these are successful scares, and because the movie gives each character enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome is a captivating and enjoyable
